Niemerg's Bill Allowing Child Crime Victims to Testify Remotely Passes Illinois House

(ST. REP. ADAM NIEMERG SPEAKS ON THE HOUSE FLOOR TUESDAY)

Legislation sponsored by State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) to protect children of abuse under the age of 13 years old from further trauma by allowing them to testify remotely passed the Illinois House with unanimous support. HB 2607 would change Illinois state statute to create a pathway for young victims to avoid appearing in open court and provide testimony by closed circuit television.

“Protecting our kids should be our highest priority,” Niemerg said. “Kids should not have to be placed in the same room as their abusers when they give their testimony. We currently make allowances for kids to testify remotely in certain circumstances, but it’s a very difficult process which re-traumatizes the victims. This legislation would make this practice the norm. It is a good idea that is long overdue. The safety and mental well-being of our kids are paramount. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this legislation has received. I will continue to build support for it in the Senate.”

House Bill 2607, supported by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), passed out of the House unanimously and moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.